Homemade Slow Cooker Vegan Baked Beans

i grew up eating baked beans from a can and while they are delicious it is actually so easy to make homemade vegan baked beans! you only need a few simple ingredients you may already even have and a slow cooker for these incredible slow cooker vegan baked beans.

Making homemade vegan baked beans is truly so easy. I don’t know why I have never thought to do it before. While I know the store-bought ones are delicious it can be harder to find ones that are always vegan friendly. These slow cooker vegan baked beans are made right in a slow cooker and are the perfect side for any barbecue!

the ingredients

• Navy Beans: I had always wondered what the beans typically used in baked beans were and they are navy beans! I used canned to just make my life easier and the recipe a little quicker but you can of course use dry and soak them overnight.
• Vidalia Onion: finely chopped Vidalia onion adds sweetness and flavor the baked beans. Since they cook for so long they almost melt down. You can also just use any type of sweet onion.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: it adds a bit of necessary acidity to the recipe.
• Ketchup: this adds some sweetness and acidity to the recipe as well. You can also use tomato sauce in its place.
• Liquid Smoke: adds smokiness and flavor the baked beans. I prefer to use a Hickory Liquid Smoke, however there are definitely lots of varieties and flavors out there to try.
• Maple Syrup: helps to add sweetness and a thick consistency to the beans. I just typically buy my stores brand of Grade A maple syrup. It will also add a maple flavor.
• Organic Brown Sugar: this will also add sweetness but in a different way than the maple syrup does.
• Seasonings: you don’t need too much for this recipe I just did some salt and garlic powder.

canned beans vs dry beans

I really like using canned beans. I pretty much never have the foresight to remember to start soaking beans the night before and making sure they have softened. So, I definitely think canned beans are the way to go! Dry beans would work here as well but you would need to soak the beans prior to using and ensuring they have been softened ahead of time. Then you will need to boil them for about an hour or until they are soft. From there you can pop it in the slow cooker. Whichever route you go you will end up with delicious slow cooker vegan baked beans.

why the slow cooker?

I love using my slow cooker anytime of year but it is especially great for using in the summer. Unlike the oven it won’t heat the whole house up making it feel unbearable inside. The slow cooker takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours on high to cook the beans or 6 to 8 hours on low. Slow cookers are also great for transporting to parties and bbqs. You can also keep the slow cooker plugged in and on a warm setting to keep the beans warm while serving. I use a 7 Quart Crock-Pot to make this recipe.

more summer recipes

slow cooker vegan baked bean add ins

I have to be honest this recipe was pretty perfect on its own. I don’t think it really needs much else. However, if you want to experiment with adding in some extra flavor or ingredients here are some ideas.

• Vegan Bacon
• Vegan Hot Dogs
• Vegan Ground Beef
• Molasses
• Dry Mustard
• Dijon Mustard
• Chili Flakes
• Bell Pepper
• Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
• Soy Sauce

slow cooker vegan baked beans faq

• Is this recipe soy free? Yes, depending on the liquid smoke you use.
• Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
• Is this recipe gluten free? Yes.
• I don’t have a slow cooker can I prepare these in a different way? Yes, you have two options: 1. You can cook these on the stove if you don’t want to turn the oven on. Add all ingredients into a pot and cook on low and slow heat for about 1 to 1 and half hours or until the onions are soft and the sauce has thickened. 2. You can bake them at 350°F for 1 to 1 and half hours covered with foil.
• How long do slow cooker vegan baked beans last? They will last for up to 4 days in the fridge. They are even better the next day so if you want to prepare them a day in advance that would be great.
• How far in advance can I prep these? I would say you can do it one day ahead of time.
• How to warm them up? In a pot or in the microwave.
• Can I freeze these? I personally wouldn’t.

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Looking for more delicious vegan comfort recipes? Order my cookbook Plantiful: Over 75 Vibrant Vegan Comfort Foods! Filled with all types of recipe from bites, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, desserts and more! Available on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, IndieBound, Walmart, also available in stores.

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